COVID-19 vaccination in patients with multiple myeloma: a consensus of the European Myeloma Network

Publication

COVID-19 vaccination in patients with multiple myeloma: a consensus of the European Myeloma Network

Journal Paper/Review - Oct 28, 2021

Ludwig Heinz, Weisel Katja, Jackson Graham, Garderet Laurent, van de Donk Niels, Leleu Xavier, Goldschmidt Hartmut, Beksac Meral, Nijhof Inger, Schreder Martin, Abildgaard Niels, Hájek Roman, Zojer Niklas, Kastritis Efstathios, Broijl Annemiek, Schjesvold Fredrik, Boccadoro Mario, Caers Jo, Delforge Michel, Sonneveld Pieter, Facon Thierry, San-Miguel Jesus, Avet-Loiseau Hervé, Mohty Mohamad, Mateos Maria-Victoria, Moreau Philippe, Cavo Michele, Pawlyn Charlotte, Zweegman Sonja, Engelhardt Monika, Driessen Christoph, Cook Gordon, Dimopoulos Melitios A, Gay Francesca, Einsele Hermann, Terpos Evangelos

Citation

Ludwig H, Weisel K, Jackson G, Garderet L, van de Donk N, Leleu X, Goldschmidt H, Beksac M, Nijhof I, Schreder M, Abildgaard N, Hájek R, Zojer N, Kastritis E, Broijl A, Schjesvold F, Boccadoro M, Caers J, Delforge M, Sonneveld P, Facon T, San-Miguel J, Avet-Loiseau H, Mohty M, Mateos M, Moreau P, Cavo M, Pawlyn C, Zweegman S, Engelhardt M, Driessen C, Cook G, Dimopoulos M, Gay F, Einsele H, Terpos E. COVID-19 vaccination in patients with multiple myeloma: a consensus of the European Myeloma Network. Lancet Haematol 2021; 8:e934-e946.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Lancet Haematol 2021; 8

Publication Date

Oct 28, 2021

Issn Electronic

2352-3026

Pages

e934-e946

Brief description/objective

Patients with multiple myeloma frequently present with substantial immune impairment and an increased risk for infections and infection-related mortality. The risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus and resulting mortality is also increased, emphasising the importance of protecting patients by vaccination. Available data in patients with multiple myeloma suggest a suboptimal anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune response, meaning a proportion of patients are unprotected. Factors associated with poor response are uncontrolled disease, immunosuppression, concomitant therapy, more lines of therapy, and CD38 antibody-directed and B-cell maturation antigen-directed therapy. These facts suggest that monitoring the immune response to vaccination in patients with multiple myeloma might provide guidance for clinical management, such as administration of additional doses of the same or another vaccine, or even temporary treatment discontinuation, if possible. In those who do not exhibit a good response, prophylactic treatment with neutralising monoclonal antibody cocktails might be considered. In patients deficient of a SARS-CoV-2 immune response, adherence to measures for infection risk reduction is particularly recommended. This consensus was generated by members of the European Multiple Myeloma Network and some external experts. The panel members convened in virtual meetings and conducted an extensive literature research and evaluated recently published data and work presented at meetings, as well as findings from their own studies. The outcome of the discussions on establishing consensus recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in patients with multiple myeloma was condensed into this Review.